Good News & Good Books

If you saw my last post, you know that last week, I had surgery to remove a cyst that was possibly malignant. I'll skip to the good news: it wasn't! I'm enormously relieved and thankful. My list of "songs to play at my funeral" can go back in the file cabinet for another day. 

As I was waking up in the recovery room, fighting to keep my eyes open so I could prove to the nurse that I was ready to be wheeled out to my family, I kept circling back to one thought: Now I can finish my book. Now I can finish my book. I'm not supposed to lift anything heavier than a half-gallon of milk for six weeks: while I'm lying around watching my husband and children put away the laundry, I've got a task of my own to accomplish. 

But you can't write all day. I have a nice big stack of other people's books next to my bed, and I'm greatly enjoying having the time to read them. I thought I'd write up a few recommendations in case you ever get any time to read, yourself. Christmas list ideas, maybe? 

Everything Happens for a Reason and Other Lies I've Loved by Kate Bowler
This is the story of Kate Bowler's first year living with Stage IV colon cancer. I started it while I was in the basement of the oncology center waiting for a CT scan, not sure if I had cancer myself. I finished it after my surgery, when I knew I didn't. It was an incredible book in both frames of mind. Read it for widsom about faith in uncertain times; read it to know what to say and do (or not to say and do!) in times of crisis; read it because Kate Bowler is a great writer. When I finished her book, I wanted to be her friend. 

What is a Girl Worth? by Rachael Denhollander
When she was fifteen, USA Gymnastics team doctor Larry Nassar sexually abused her. When she grew up, Rachael Denhollander brought him to justice. A lawyer herself, Denhollander is the perfect spokeswoman for abuse victims: smart, savvy, eagle-eyed, and tenacious. This book opens up the ugly realities abuse survivors face in the "justice" system (did you know that out of every 230 rapes reported, only 5 result in conviction?!). It's got a sweet love story, too. 

Liturgy of the Ordinary by Tish Harrison Warren
I love the premise of this book: Tish Harrison Warren walks readers through the mundane events of a single day, and connects each episode to an office of the church. Waking up reminds her of baptism; losing keys makes her reflect on confession. So simple, yet so profound. Such a great reminder that wherever we are, whatever we are doing, we are loved by God. 

I'm going to be done with these books pretty quick, so if you have any recommendations for me, please let me know!